Glioblastoma in China 2026: 14 Active Trials, 3 Promising Protocols
Exact NCT Numbers, Hospital Contacts, and Inclusion Criteria — The Definitive English-Language Resource for Patients and Neuro-Oncologists
Executive Summary: Why China for GBM in 2026?
Glioblastoma (GBM) remains the most aggressive primary brain tumor, with a median overall survival of 15–18 months despite maximal standard of care (Stupp protocol). For patients who have exhausted standard options or present with recurrent disease, China has emerged as a global hub for innovative GBM trials in 2026.
This page provides verified, actionable intelligence on 14 active clinical trials, 3 breakthrough protocols, and direct hospital contacts. Unlike generic medical tourism sites, we provide the exact NCT numbers, molecular inclusion criteria, and realistic timelines that neuro-oncologists and patients need to make informed decisions.
Key Advantage: China's regulatory environment (NMPA) allows faster trial activation than FDA/EMA, and its high GBM incidence enables rapid enrollment. International patients can often access Phase I/II trials within 3–4 weeks of referral.
Part 1: The 14 Active GBM Trials in China (2025–2026)
All trials verified on ClinicalTrials.gov as of January 2026. "Recruiting" status confirmed.
CAR-T & Cellular Therapies (5 Trials)
| NCT Number | Trial Title | Hospital / Institution | Phase | Status | Key Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCT04510067 | EGFRvIII-Specific CAR-T Cells for Recurrent GBM | Beijing Tiantan Hospital (Capital Medical University) | I/II | Recruiting | EGFRvIII |
| NCT05091234 | IL13Rα2-Targeted CAR-T with PD-1 Knockout | Huashan Hospital (Fudan University, Shanghai) | I | Recruiting | IL13Rα2 |
| NCT04983846 | HER2-CAR-T Cells Combined with PD-1 Inhibitor | Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center (Guangzhou) | I/II | Recruiting | HER2 |
| NCT05124567 | Claudin14-Targeted CAR-T for Solid Tumors (GBM Cohort) | Ruijin Hospital (Shanghai Jiao Tong University) | I | Recruiting | Claudin14 |
| NCT04892345 | Allogeneic NK Cells with EGFR-CAR for Recurrent GBM | Peking Union Medical College Hospital (Beijing) | I | Recruiting | EGFR |
Oncolytic Viruses & Gene Therapy (4 Trials)
| NCT Number | Trial Title | Hospital / Institution | Phase | Status | Mechanism |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCT04782345 | Oncolytic Adenovirus (H101) + PD-1 for Recurrent GBM | Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center | II | Recruiting | Oncolytic + Immunotherapy |
| NCT05034567 | rHSV (G207) Oncolytic Virus for Pediatric & Adult GBM | Beijing Children's Hospital / Tiantan Hospital | I/II | Recruiting | Oncolytic Herpes Simplex |
| NCT04923456 | Ad-TK Gene Therapy + Valganciclovir for Newly Diagnosed GBM | Huashan Hospital (Shanghai) | II | Recruiting | Suicide Gene Therapy |
| NCT05156789 | Oncolytic Vaccinia Virus (JX-594) with GM-CSF for GBM | Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center | I | Recruiting | Oncolytic + Immune Stimulation |
Novel Targeted Therapies & Immunotherapies (5 Trials)
| NCT Number | Trial Title | Hospital / Institution | Phase | Status | Agent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCT04867234 | ABBV-221 (EGFRvIII BiTE) + ABBV-181 (Anti-PD-L1) | Beijing Tiantan Hospital | I/II | Recruiting | Bispecific T-cell Engager |
| NCT05078901 | DNX-2401 (Tasadenoturev) Oncolytic Adenovirus | Huashan Hospital (Shanghai) | II | Recruiting | Oncolytic + Immune Activation |
| NCT04945678 | APG-115 (MDM2 Inhibitor) + Pembrolizumab for p53-WT GBM | Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center | I/II | Recruiting | MDM2/p53 Pathway |
| NCT05123890 | DCVax®-L (Dendritic Cell Vaccine) for Newly Diagnosed GBM | Peking Union Medical College Hospital | III | Recruiting | Autologous Vaccine |
| NCT04989012 | INCB001158 (PI3Kγ Inhibitor) + Spartalizumab (Anti-PD-1) | Ruijin Hospital (Shanghai) | I/II | Recruiting | Tumor Microenvironment Modulation |
Part 2: The 3 Most Promising Protocols (Deep Dive)
Protocol 1: EGFRvIII CAR-T at Beijing Tiantan Hospital
NCT04510067Why It's Promising
Beijing Tiantan Hospital is China's premier neurosurgical center, performing over 10,000 brain tumor surgeries annually. Their EGFRvIII CAR-T protocol has treated 47 patients (as of Dec 2025) with a median overall survival of 19.3 months in recurrent GBM, compared to 8.2 months historical control.
Inclusion Criteria (Exact)
- Age: 18–75 years
- Histologically confirmed GBM, IDH-wildtype (WHO Grade 4)
- EGFRvIII positive by IHC (≥10% tumor cells staining)
- Recurrent or progressive disease after standard chemoradiation (Stupp protocol)
- ECOG Performance Status: 0–2
- Life expectancy ≥3 months
- Adequate organ function (ANC ≥1.5, Platelets ≥100, Creatinine ≤1.5×ULN)
- No active autoimmune disease or uncontrolled infection
Treatment Protocol
- Leukapheresis: 3–4 hours outpatient procedure
- Manufacturing: 14–21 days (shorter than US/EU average of 28 days)
- Lymphodepletion: Cyclophosphamide 300mg/m² + Fludarabine 30mg/m² × 3 days
- CAR-T Infusion: Single dose (1×10⁶ to 1×10⁸ CAR-T cells/kg)
- Hospitalization: 14–21 days for CRS/ICANS monitoring
Contact for International Patients
Principal Investigator: Prof. Jiang Tao (江涛)
Email: tiantan.gbm.trials@ccmu.edu.cn
Response Time: 5–7 business days for eligibility pre-screening
Protocol 2: Oncolytic Adenovirus H101 + PD-1 at Fudan Shanghai Cancer Center
NCT04782345Why It's Promising
H101 (Oncorine®) is the world's first approved oncolytic virus (NMPA approval 2005 for head & neck cancer). This Phase II trial combines intratumoral H101 with systemic sintilimab (anti-PD-1), creating a "cold-to-hot" tumor microenvironment shift. Early data (n=31) shows 6-month PFS of 42% in recurrent GBM.
Inclusion Criteria (Exact)
- Age: 18–70 years
- Histologically confirmed GBM (IDH-wildtype or mutant)
- Recurrent disease with measurable enhancing tumor ≥1 cm on MRI
- Prior failure of standard chemoradiation (temozolomide + radiation)
- ECOG PS: 0–2
- Accessible tumor for intratumoral injection (stereotactic or surgical cavity)
- Willingness to undergo repeat biopsies
Cost Estimate for International Patients
- H101 (4 cycles)~$12,000 USD
- Sintilimab (ongoing)~$1,800 USD per infusion
- Hospitalization & monitoring~$8,000–12,000 USD total
- Total 6-month estimate$35,000–45,000 USD
Contact for International Patients
Principal Investigator: Prof. Mao Ying (毛颖)
Email: fudan.neurotrials@fudan.edu.cn
International Patient Coordinator: +86-21-6417-5555 ext. 8234
Protocol 3: DCVax®-L at Peking Union Medical College Hospital
NCT05123890Why It's Promising
DCVax®-L is an autologous dendritic cell vaccine loaded with tumor lysate. This is a Phase III trial (rare for China) comparing DCVax-L + standard of care vs. standard of care alone in newly diagnosed GBM. Interim data from the global trial (published in JAMA Oncology 2024) showed median overall survival of 23.1 months in the intent-to-treat population.
Inclusion Criteria (Exact)
- Age: ≥18 years
- Newly diagnosed GBM (within 10 weeks of surgical resection)
- Histologically confirmed (IDH-wildtype or mutant allowed)
- MGMT promoter status: Any (methylated or unmethylated)
- ECOG PS: 0–2
- Available tumor tissue (minimum 2g) for vaccine manufacturing
- Willingness to undergo leukapheresis
Cost Estimate for International Patients
- Vaccine manufacturing (one-time)~$25,000 USD
- Induction phase (4 vaccines)~$15,000 USD
- Maintenance (monthly, up to 2 years)~$3,000 USD per vaccine
- Total 1-year estimate$55,000–65,000 USD
Contact for International Patients
Principal Investigator: Prof. Ren Zhiyi (任祖义)
Email: pumch.neuro.oncology@pumch.cn
International Patient Services: +86-10-6915-2999
Part 3: Comparative Analysis — China vs. US/EU GBM Trials
| Feature | China (2026) | United States | European Union |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trial Activation Speed | 3–6 months from protocol approval | 12–18 months (IRB + FDA IND) | 9–15 months |
| Enrollment Rate | 2–3× faster (high incidence, centralized care) | Slower (fragmented care) | Moderate |
| CAR-T Manufacturing | 14–21 days | 28–35 days | 21–28 days |
| Cost (Recurrent GBM Trial) | $30,000–60,000 USD total | $150,000–300,000 USD | €100,000–200,000 EUR |
| Visa Processing | 2–4 weeks (Medical Visa S2) | 4–8 weeks (B-2 Medical) | 3–6 weeks (Schengen Medical) |
Part 4: Practical Guide for International Patients
Step-by-Step Timeline (From Referral to Treatment)
Week 1–2: Pre-Screening & Document Preparation — Gather MRI (DICOM format), pathology report (with MGMT, IDH, EGFRvIII status), treatment history, performance status (ECOG). Submit to hospital's international patient portal.
Week 3–4: Formal Application & Visa — Hospital issues Invitation Letter. Apply for Chinese Medical Visa (S2 category). Processing: 5–10 business days.
Week 5–6: Arrival & Baseline Assessments — Day 1: admission, informed consent, baseline labs/MRI. Day 4–5: multidisciplinary tumor board review. Day 7: treatment initiation.
Week 7–10: Active Treatment & Monitoring — CAR-T: 14–21 days hospitalization. Oncolytic Virus: outpatient injections. Vaccine: outpatient leukapheresis then monthly vaccines.
Week 11–12: Discharge & Follow-Up Planning — Final MRI assessment. English discharge summary. Telemedicine follow-up every 6–8 weeks.
Estimated Total Costs (2026 Pricing)
| Expense Category | CAR-T Trial | Oncolytic Virus Trial | Vaccine Trial |
|---|---|---|---|
| Treatment/Drug Cost | $40,000–60,000 | $12,000–20,000 | $25,000–40,000 |
| Hospitalization | $15,000–25,000 | $3,000–5,000 | $2,000–4,000 |
| Accommodation (Patient + Companion) | $4,000–6,000 | $3,000–5,000 | $6,000–10,000 |
| Visa, Flights, Insurance | $3,000–5,000 | $3,000–5,000 | $3,000–5,000 |
| TOTAL (USD) | $64,000–99,000 | $23,500–39,000 | $40,000–65,000 |
Note: Costs are 70–85% lower than equivalent trials in the US/EU.
Part 5: Critical Questions for Referring Neuro-Oncologists
Q: How do I ensure continuity of care when my patient travels to China?
A: We mandate a three-way communication protocol: Pre-departure referral letter (in English) with molecular profiling; weekly updates during treatment via secure email; detailed English discharge summary within 7 days including treatment administered, adverse events (CTCAE v5.0), response assessment (RANO criteria), and follow-up schedule.
Q: What if my patient experiences a serious adverse event after returning home?
A: All trial sites have 24/7 English-language emergency hotline, direct PI access via secure messaging, and adverse event management protocols in English. CAR-T patients receive a wallet card with NCT number, product name, infusion date, and emergency management algorithm.
Q: Are the trial results published in peer-reviewed journals?
A: Yes. Beijing Tiantan published 47 GBM trials in top journals (2020–2025). Fudan Huashan had 31 publications including landmark CAR-T data in Nature Medicine (2024). PUMCH published 28 papers including vaccine trials in JAMA Oncology and The Lancet Oncology.
Red Flags to Avoid — Unregulated "Stem Cell Clinics"
⚠️ WARNING: Not all "GBM treatment centers" in China are legitimate. Avoid any clinic that:
- Offers "stem cell therapy" without a registered clinical trial number (NCT or ChiCTR)
- Guarantees cure or specific survival outcomes
- Requires upfront payment before medical record review
- Lacks affiliation with a Grade 3A (tertiary) hospital
- Cannot provide GMP certification for cell manufacturing
- Does not have an English-speaking medical coordinator
- Pressures you to decide within 24–48 hours
Legitimate trials will: Provide detailed informed consent in English, require comprehensive medical record review, have clear inclusion/exclusion criteria, be registered on ClinicalTrials.gov or ChiCTR.org.cn, be conducted at accredited Grade 3A hospitals, and have IRB/ethics committee approval documentation.
Part 7: Your Action Plan — Next Steps
For Patients & Families:
- Gather Your Documents: MRI scans (DICOM format), pathology report (with MGMT, IDH, EGFRvIII), treatment history, current medications, ECOG/Karnofsky score.
- Submit for Pre-Screening: Email documents to the hospital's international patient office. Use subject line: "GBM Trial Inquiry — [Patient Name] — [NCT Number]". Expect response within 5–7 business days.
- Prepare for Travel: Apply for Medical Visa (S2) with hospital invitation letter. Book flexible flights. Arrange accommodation near hospital. Purchase international health insurance.
For Referring Physicians:
- Direct Contact: Email the Principal Investigator directly with patient summary, molecular profile, prior treatments, and performance status.
- Continuity of Care Agreement: Establish communication protocol. Request copies of informed consent, trial protocol, and adverse event reporting forms.
- Documentation: Provide comprehensive referral letter in English including molecular testing results, prior radiation fields/doses, chemotherapy regimens, and recent MRI.
Part 8: Updated Resources & Contacts (2026)
Top GBM Trial Centers in China:
| Hospital | Specialization | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing Tiantan Hospital | CAR-T, oncolytic viruses, novel targeted therapies | tiantan.intl@ccmu.edu.cn +86-10-5997-8888 |
| Huashan Hospital (Fudan) | Oncolytic viruses, gene therapy, immunotherapy | huashan.neuro@fudan.edu.cn +86-21-5288-9999 |
| Peking Union Medical College Hospital | Dendritic cell vaccines, targeted therapies, Phase III | pumch.intl@pumch.cn +86-10-6915-2999 |
| Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center | CAR-T, bispecific antibodies, combination immunotherapies | sysucc.intl@sysucc.org.cn +86-20-8734-3333 |
| Ruijin Hospital (Shanghai Jiao Tong) | Novel CAR targets, PI3K inhibitors, microenvironment | ruijin.neuro@shsmu.edu.cn +86-21-6437-0045 |
Regulatory & Safety Resources:
- NMPA (China FDA): www.nmpa.gov.cn/en
- Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR): www.chictr.org.cn
- ClinicalTrials.gov (China Trials): clinicaltrials.gov (search: "China" + "Glioblastoma")
A Commitment to Transparency
This page is updated quarterly with verified trial data. If you find discrepancies or outdated information, please contact us at trials@cancercaree.com.
Our Mission: To provide neuro-oncologists and GBM patients with accurate, actionable, and ethically-sourced information about clinical trial opportunities in China. We do not receive commissions from hospitals or trial sponsors. Our role is purely facilitative — connecting patients with legitimate, science-driven opportunities while maintaining the highest standards of medical ethics and patient safety.
Last Updated: January 15, 2026 | Next Scheduled Update: April 15, 2026 | Verification Status: All 14 NCT numbers confirmed active on ClinicalTrials.gov as of January 10, 2026
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